How times have changed over attitude to Down’s

WELL said, Elizabeth Duff, 
from the National Childbirth Trust (The Yorkshire Post, March 5) after the discovery of a non-invasive test for Down’s Syndrome was announced. I quote: “Whatever the result, it should never be assumed by health professionals that expectant parents will decide 
on a particular course of 
action.”

Our third child was born with Down’s Syndrome when it was assumed that we would reject him.

Michael was two and a half when our family doctor put a name to his very obvious handicap. Our reaction was relief that it was not a painful condition and we would be able to continue caring for him at home.

How times have changed. Marks & Spencer ran an advert for children’s clothing with a little Down’s Syndrome boy among a group of children.

Over 50 years later, we are content that, in spite of the limited expectations of 
those days, Michael had a good life.

He died 18 months ago at the age of 53. Family and friends filled our parish church for his funeral. Just under £700 was donated by the congregation to give to the day centre he attended for 35 years.